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Oh my goodness. Sun-Times:
Federal prosecutors are expected to announce what was described as significant federal public corruption charges this afternoon, including charges against Gov. Blagojevich fund-raiser Antoin “Tony†Rezko, sources told the Sun-Times this morning.Rezko, 51, just returned from being out of the country.
He has been under scrutiny tied to his private businesses, as well as his fund-raising tactics.
Federal authorities also have been investigating whether Rezko and another Blagojevich fund-raiser, Christopher Kelly, were involved in a scheme to steer state pension business to top campaign donors. […]
Sources say today’s announcement is far-reaching but would not specify details. A U.S. Attorney’s Office plans a 1 p.m. news conference.
*** UPDATE *** The US Attorney’s media advisory is below. Click the pic for a larger image.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Here’s the text of that advisory:
Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, together with Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officials of the Chicago offices of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General will hold a press conference at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday October 11, 2006, to announce criminal charges involving fraud and corruption. The press conference will be held in the U.S. Attorney’s Press Conference Room on the 11th floor, north end, of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, 219 South Dearborn St., Chicago.
The press conference room will open at noon and additional details will be available by that time, both at the courthouse and electronically. There are no court appearances scheduled for today in connection with this matter.
Well, this is it, campers.
*** UPDATE 3 *** The Tribune reports that Rezko has been indicted.
Federal prosecutors have indicted Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a top fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, on charges that he received hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks from investment firms seeking business from the state teachers’ pension system, according to an indictment unsealed today.Federal prosecutors have already charged Stuart Levine, a former member of the pension board, with using his influence for corruption.
“Rezko used his relationship with certain state of Illinois officials to ensure that Rezko and Levine had the ability to influence the actions of (state boards) for the benefit of themselves and their nominees and associates,” the indictment said. […]
The indictment alleges that Rezko and Levine shared in a kickback of about $1 million, from a contractor already indicted in the hospital board investigation, to assist Mercy Hospital in receiving state approval to build a new hospital in Crystal Lake.
*** UPDATE 4 *** If I were you, I’d be checking this website around noon.
*** UPDATE 5 *** CLTV will be covering the press conference live at 1pm, but we’re not sure yet whether it’ll be online, or where else it might be. I’d bet that WBBM radio will carry it, but I’m not sure yet. I’m asking around now. Check back in a few.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Just to fill you in a bit, the rumor has been for weeks that Rezko was in the Middle East negotiating his plea. The word was that he was threatening never to return to the US unless he got a good deal. He just got back this week.
*** UPDATE 7 *** ABC7:
Kelly’s lawyer said this morning he was unaware of any criminal charges being filed against his client, and there was no indication charges against Kelly were imminent.
*** UPDATE 8 *** You can download Rezko’s indictment here. [pdf file]
*** UPDATE 9 *** “Rezko used his relationship with certain State of Illinois officials to ensure that Rezko and Levine had the ability to influence the actions of TRS and the Planning Board for the benefit of themselves hand their nominees and associates.”
*** UPDATE 10 *** “Rezko sought to influence certain State of Illinois officials, in order to ensure that Levine and persons allied with Rezko and Levine, retained and obtained membership on the TRS Board and the Planning Board that enabled Rezko and Levine to influence the actions of those boards…”
*** UPDATE 11 *** “[As part of the scheme in “Update 10″] when certain State of Illinois officials advocated consolidating TRS, the Illinois State Board of Investment and the State University Retirement System into a single pension fund, Levine and Individual A approached Rezko and Invidual B for assistance in defeating this proposal. Rezko and individual B agreed to use their relationships and influence with high-ranking state of Illinois officials to oppose the pension consolidation plan, and in exchange, Levine and Individual A agreed to use their influence and Levine’s position at TRS to ensure that TRS used investment5 firms and hired lawyers identified by Rezko and Individual B.”
*** UPDATE 12 *** [After Rezko and Levine agreed that Levine should be reappointed to the TRS board] “Rezko instructed a state of Illinois employee responsible for facilitating appointments to state boards to move forward on Levine’s reappointment to the TRS Board, and represented that the reappointment had been approved by a high-ranking state official. The high-ranking state official subsequently directed that Levine be reappointed to the TRS board. Also in or about May 2004, two new members were appointed to the TRS Board who voted with Levine on matters of interest to Rezko and Levine.”
*** UPDATE 13 *** [in the spring of 2004, Rezko, Levine and Individual A] “did attempt to commit extortion… in that the defendant attempted to obtain property, in the form of payments from Investment Firm 7 and Individual J to a consultant identified by Rezko and Levine or political donations to a candidate identified by Rezko and Levine…”
*** UPDATE 14 *** “In or about April, 2004, Rezko and Levine agreed to use their influence and Levine’s position at TRS to prevent Investment Firm 7 from getting its $220 million allocation unless Individual J agreed either to pay an approximately $2 million fee chosen by Rezko and Levine, or to arrange for approximately $1.5 million in political contributions to be made to a certain public official. […]
“Rezko and Levine further agreed that Levine would arrange for an intermediary, namely Individual A, to indicate to Individual J that Investment Firm 7 had not received its $220 million allocation because Investment Firm 7 had not contributed significantly to a certain public official.”
*** UPDATE 15 *** [The Investment firm refused to be extorted, however, and threatened to go to the coppers, so the plans were dropped.] “Rezko, Levine, Individual A and Individual B… agreed that although Investment Firm 7 woiuld receive the $220 million allocation, it would not receive any further business from any state of Illinois entity, including TRS.
*** UPDATE 16 *** Tribune:
Sources said investigators were waiting to see whether Rezko would return from a trip overseas this past weekend. When Rezko did not return, authorities made the decision to unseal the indictment and get an arraignment date and time from the court.
If Rezko does not appear for his scheduled arraignment on Friday afternoon, he will be considered a fugitive, the sources said.
Levine’s attorney, Jeffrey Steinback, has said Levine will plead guilty in the case and cooperate with prosecutors. A longtime Chicago developer and active supporter of Republicans and Democrats, Rezko’s closest political ties have been with Blagojevich, especially in recent years.
*** UPDATE 17 *** AP:
His attorney, Joseph Duffy, said in an interview Tuesday night with The Associated Press that he did not know Rezko’s whereabouts. He said he had spoken with Rezko by phone last week but did not know where he was then.
*** UPDATE 18 *** “Individual A had longstanding relationships with TRS trustees, including Levine and TRS staff members and was associated with a real estate asset management firm that managed hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of TRS.
“Individual B was a political fundraiser and an associate of Rezko.”
*** UPDATE 19 *** NBC5 Live video link
*** UPDATE 20 *** ABC7 live coverage
*** UPDATE 21 *** Fitzgerald: “I’m not going to comment as to who’s involved other than what’s in the indictment.” [..]
[Influencing election?] Fitzgerald: “We’re not concerned with elections, we’re concerned with bringing the cases as soon as they’re ready to go…. If we did not… people will say ‘Why did you do that?… Not doing it for political reasons and not going to not do it for political reasons.”
*** UPDATE 22 *** Fitzgerald: “Feeding frenzy going on in the spring of 2004″
Fitzgerald: “Pay to play on steroids”
*** UPDATE 23 *** [Why… a month before an election… talk about whether Blagojevich is a target of this investigation?] Fitzgerald: “We have never commented on people who are not charged, and I’m not going to do it.”
*** UPDATE 24 *** Remember the Sun-Times story from last month about a criminal investigation of whether pension business was traded for contributions to Gov. Blagojevich? The piece included this bit.
The sources identified those involved as former TRS board member Stuart Levine; top Blagojevich fund-raisers Antoin “Tony” Rezko and Christopher G. Kelly, and longtime Springfield insider William Cellini.
Also from September of last year is this Sun-Times lede.
A state teachers’ pension board member who is a business associate of Republican powerbroker William Cellini has voted to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in pension cash in a real estate investment firm that Cellini founded.
*** UPDATE 25 *** WBBM Radio reports that Rezko is expected to appear at Friday’s arraignment hearing.
*** UPDATE 26 *** Joe Birkett plans a press conference for 2:30 this afternoon.
*** UPDATE 27 *** LOL. From the AP:
A spokeswoman for Blagojevich’s administration did not immediately return a call for comment.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 10:58 am
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Comment by chinman Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:02 am
Does this mean he may roll and impicate Da Gov?
And will indicments roll at that level soon?
Comment by Siyotanka Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:04 am
Allow me to retract my prediction that Blago is a shoo-in. Let’s all watch very closely, and make sure tell your friends and neighbors.
October Surprise - here it is!
Comment by Phocion Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:05 am
The mythical indictments have arrived.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:06 am
santa is coming
Comment by chinman Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:14 am
It’s about time! Blago will have to stop being so cocky now!!!!!!!
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:15 am
“Rezko used his relationship with certain state of Illinois officials to ensure that Rezko and Levine had the ability to influence the actions of (state boards) for the benefit of themselves and their nominees and associates,” the indictment said.
NOW it’s going to get interesting. My money is on Rod to take the Daley approach - Mr. Rezko and I weren’t that close, but if he did this, I’m disappointed and would expect him to be appropriately punished.
Comment by How's This for a Quote? Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:17 am
Hey Governor,
Hear that? That bus that you kept throwing people under is coming around the corner, and it’s coming for YOU.
Comment by Beep Beep Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:18 am
Can’t wait to hear you spin this one.
Comment by Paging Baghdad Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:19 am
All Aboard!!
Comment by Driver Teddy Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:20 am
No wonder why the goof would not debate. He has know for weeks.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:21 am
Sheila, you’re on. Knock ‘em dead!
Comment by Marvelous Wonderful Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:23 am
Rolling rolling rolling
I think Tony’s rolling
Other people rolling, Rod’s done.
Lots of people talking
To the feds they all are squawking
Rod’s a dead gov walking, Rod’s done
Write em up
Charge em twice
Send em down
Oxford’s nice
Keep those charges coming, Rod’s done
Comment by To the tune of Rawhide Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:27 am
A vote for Rod is a vote for Pat Quinn
Comment by At least she is thinking Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:28 am
I bet we WON’T see him use his favorite quote of the month on this one!!: “I won’t try and reconstruct a 40 year relationship. He is like a brother to me”
Looks like we will soon see a new Rainman quote of the week, any ideas??
How about “Rezko, who??…Ah, what..,um, Ah, what was the question again,um…Never Heard of Him, didn’t he work for George Ryan??”
Comment by Animous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:30 am
“Rezko was charged with seeking to influence certain state officials to ensure that Levine and other allies were retained or appointed to the teachers’ pension and hospital construction boards, so that Rezko and Levine could benefit from the panels’ actions.”
Now who would have the authority to determine who sat on the boards? Hmmm?
You have to love that Rod’s only defense to this is that he is so completely clueless that he had no idea what was going on around him.
Note to Rod - ask George how well that defense worked.
Comment by The hits keep coming Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:32 am
And the can of worms is open. Who’s Next?
Comment by scoot Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:34 am
“He’s cut! The Russian’s cut! And it’s a bad one.”
Comment by Rocky 4 Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:35 am
I’m guessing that we won’t be seeing much of the Govenor between now and the 7th.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:36 am
The Governor’s race is definitely back in play. It’s impossible to predict how this will play out. And Blago still has a lot going for him (money, a Democratic state, a Democratic year). But Topinka’s got a really good shot now.
Comment by Realist Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:41 am
In the immortal words of John Lee Hooker:
Boom Boom Boom BOOM!
Comment by Reality Check Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:42 am
Rich: Wasnt he also indicted on bank fraud for something seperate from state stuff?
Comment by HANKSTER Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:45 am
Where’s Bill? Can’t wait for his apologist excuses on this topic.
Comment by Not Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:47 am
At least she is thinking….
Couldn’t agree more with you. With each day that passes, this look more like a Judy v. Pat Quinn race. Never thought, I would say it, but not only would I take Pat over Rod, I’ll take him over Judy. So I will punch for Rod, while I’ll avoid looking at his name, next to Pat’s.
Comment by Niles Township Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:47 am
Niles,
Is that the same Pat Quinn that said Rod always tells the truth and does the right thing???
PQ may have some big trouble distancing himself from Blago. He’s tainted goods…
Comment by Animous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:53 am
Boom goes the dynamite!
Comment by QueenB Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:01 pm
Blago should be worried. His boys are not like Daley’s 11th ward gang. I don’t think they are willing to take the fall for him.
Comment by Garp Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:02 pm
Rawhide, that is a classic!
Cuff ‘em up! Shave ‘em down! Lock ‘em in!
Rod’s done!
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:10 pm
Somewhere on the southwest side, Mike Madigan & Lisa Madigan chortle and plan Lisa’s 2010 Gubernatorial run.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:11 pm
This is good for the Republican candidates of the future but I don’t think it’s going to get JBT elected.
Democrats in Illinois are so overwhelmingly corrupt and so focused on staying at the state money and jobs trough, that they’ll vote for Blago even if he is indicted before the election, which seems very unlikely.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:12 pm
This whole thing is a MONSTER. The detail that they have, and have laid out, is overwhelming. I cannot see how Rezko does not cooperate.
For a quick fix, let me direct your attention to pages 10-15 and 26-27
Comment by WOW Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:13 pm
No mention of “Public Official A” in the indictment?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:13 pm
Count 16 is also worth a glance
Comment by WOW Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:16 pm
Like I said, Blago won’t even be a candidate by the election. Heck, he might not even be governor.
Comment by Shelbyville Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:16 pm
No - there is no mention of Public Official A in the indictment. In fact, other than having a close relationship with him, I read this indictment as the best bad news Rod could have had. The only thing Judy can do, and its a big thing, is attack Rod for running a corrupt administration and having bad taste in friends. It’s a big deal, but it’s much less than I was expecting out of this thing.
Comment by ChicagoCynic Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:20 pm
Bwhahahahahaha - Bwhahahahahaha
I’m so happy that I’m weeping. Hey Gooberner, they are coming for you.
Comment by Rex Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:20 pm
Read the entire indictment, not just what Rich decides to post. What we have here is a guy who raised money for Blagojevich and in return was given a position on a board. Nothing illegal. Then he abused his power in an illegal way to benifit himself. Then they claim Rezko and others forced companies to give contributions to a candidate. No accusations of candidate knowledge and if they had some there would be within the indictment. Still nothing illegal in this indictment having anything to due with the governor. Sorry to dissapoint.
Comment by HANKSTER Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:26 pm
Very Preliminary Reading…
I’m presuming Individual B is Chris Kelly. If so, it’s obviously close to the Governor and there is an allegation of extorting campaign cash to get state paid for benefits. However, my very, very initial reading is that this doesn’t……
Trackback by ArchPundit Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:27 pm
This isn’t nearly as bad as it could have been for the Governor. This is pretty mild actually. Public Official A isn’t in there and only presumably Kelly. Most of this is already out in the public so it’s hard to see it having that dramatic of an impact. I’m sure there’s more coming, but I’m doubting it’s before the election.
Comment by archpundit Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:28 pm
Hankster you sound like the repubs when all this started with Ryan.
Comment by chiefkay Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:29 pm
chiefkay: Show me where in the indictment one could legally indict the Governor for anything? I am not talking about what people want or people talking out of their asses, im talking about the law. Show me where?
Comment by HANKSTER Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:33 pm
I, unfortunately, have to agree with Hankster. There’s nothing in here that directly implicates Blago. Without the smoking gun, its pretty hard for Judy to do more than she’s been doing ie. the Gov is surrounded by bad guys, he didn’t reform and renew, he’s probably bad himself etc…
Comment by Study then post Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:36 pm
Rod’s biggest problem from this indictment is political.
Comment by HANKSTER Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:38 pm
Blago and his people think they’re so smart. They think they’re so clever, and that they can just keep saying what they say and that everybody will believe them. The truth is that they’re idiots, and that people don’t believe them.
Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:38 pm
To quote the late Ann Richards, ‘Stick a fork in him, he’s done.’
Comment by 312 Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:39 pm
It looks like The Governor’s father-in-law, Chicago Alderman Dick Mell, might have been telling the truth about government positions and state jobs being up for sale to the highest bidder. Chicago Alderman Dick Mell was to “Public Official A” what Martha Mitchell was to her husband, Attorney-General John Mitchell during the Watergate Period in history. Nobody listened to old Martha but history proved that she was telling the truth. Dick Mell will also be shown to have been “spot on” in telling about the improprieties and illegalities going on until the threats of litigation and the intimidation by “Public Official A” finally silenced Alderman Dick Mell. As a Republican, I tip my hat to you Mr. Mell for your courage and candor.
Michael Sneed in today’s Sun-Times column had an interesting and funny comment on “The Bickersons Are At It Again” regarding the ongoing recent flare-up of the Blago & Mell family feud.
Comment by Beowulf Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:40 pm
Ummm keep in mind we haven’t seen the Gov’s tax forms yet. Didn’t his family make some money off of fees from real estate deals involving Rezko? If that was true for tax year 2005, that might be a bit awkward. Also didn’t Rezko show up on the govs updated gift forms? If so expect the press to ask real questions about what the Gov got from Rezko.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:41 pm
Hankster, you are incorrect. While Rod is not implicated as a co-schemer in this statement, you have to step back and look at the indictments to date as a fabric. When you do so, you will see a noose that is going to quickly tighten.
Politically, he is thrown off message for the duration, legally his ice is getting thinner.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:42 pm
Then show me some proof. Dont just say that.
Everyone talks and nobody shows any proof. I am not saying who will or wont be indicted, especially with our power hungry feds but all there is here is a lot of talk and nothing else.
Comment by HANKSTER Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:45 pm
Does or will this implicate Mrs. Patty Blagojevich?
Comment by Inquiring Minds Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:46 pm
It is a sad day for Illinois. We have had three Democrats elected in my lifetime to serve as governor, and they have all turned out to be crooks.
But Blagojevich hurts the worst. He was elected to reform the corruption. He was that shining knight. He was mandated by Illinois voters to do something. We all had such high hopes. He not only broke his promises, he broke them in order to enrich and empower himself. Blagojevich came to our rescue, but instead of rescuing us, flipped us over and continued committing the same crime. It is heartbreaking, frankly.
Don’t we deserve honest government? What makes Illinois such a hell-hole for public corruption? Why in the heartland is a place so devoid of good government, it even seduces the people that promised reform?
It is time once again to break out the bucket of tar, burst open the feather pillows and give another governor a rail ride into prison.
C’Mon JUDY! You are our FINAL HOPE!
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:46 pm
Blago Needs to immediatly dispose of every dollar raised by Rezcko Kelly, Cari and every investment firm ……..The campaign contributions are corrupt, tainted tax payer dollars defrauded from the people of Illinois that ended up in BLAGO warchest!
Comment by Larry Mullholland Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:47 pm
Hankie,
READ the indictments. Not just today’s but the others as well. What more proof could you ask for?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:48 pm
The campaign donation is the connection I’m interested in.
If those payoffs went into the Blago coffers, and they have the proof, that means the feds can freeze his campaign fund and tap him directly with charges…
…a frozen campaign fund means no more saturation bombing of TV ads, and a chance for Judy to blow what’s left of her TV/media budget unopposed, like she’s had to endure all this time. Turn-about time.
Blago can come out of the groundhog hole now; he will have to defend himself regarding all of this and that disturbs the game plan greatly. It may be too late in the game, but the ball has been fumbled, the pass intercepted; let’s see if Red can run it back to the other goal line now.
Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:51 pm
Thank you Jesus!!!!
Comment by Bottom Line Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:52 pm
bill where are you?
Comment by chinman Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:52 pm
I’m not Rich, but I think he’d join me in saying “okay, tone it down a bit”…let’s not make it personal.
I tend to agree with those who say this isn’t AS bad as it could be for the Governor — but it sure ain’t good.
Comment by RickG Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:53 pm
‘study then post’
Give me a break – “There’s nothing in here that directly implicates Blago. Without the smoking gun, its pretty hard for Judy to do more than she’s been doingâ€
As opposed to all the stuff that directly implicates Topinka in any of George Ryan’s crimes?
Comment by grand old partisan Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:56 pm
This is the first shoe to drop of many. Enjoy the “good” news while you can.
Maybe Blago can go on tour with Hastert and Shimkus on a bipartisan righteosness tour.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:57 pm
Todd and Hankster, knock it off or you’ll both be banned.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:57 pm
GOP, you’re right — but George Ryan is about 15000 times better known than Tony Rezko.
Comment by RickG Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 12:58 pm
surprising parts:
- no mention of public official A
- the statement that the alleged contribution to a high ranking public official didn’t happen
- lots of finders fees and lot’s of money made by Levine and Rezko
Comment by sam Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:00 pm
Rich: so its ok for Todd to call me a moron and his post stays but you take mine down?
Comment by HANKSTER Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:01 pm
===As opposed to all the stuff that directly implicates Topinka in any of George Ryan’s crimes?
A good point, but also points to Judy’s problem. Unless she can show he’s worse, it’s a draw. I think he probably is, but without an indictment that at least lays out the case, it’s pretty hard to do.
Comment by archpundit Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:01 pm
You will not see the Gov before the election. BET ON IT.
Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:04 pm
It’s true that this could have been worse for the Governor. There is no direct tie to him in this indictment. It certainly doesn’t mean that he can’t win the election. It may not even mean that he’s lost his status as the favorite. But it ain’t good. And it clearly makes this a race again.
Comment by Realist Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:04 pm
Memo: To Blagojevich Administration
Re: Your BOSS is on fire, better call 911.
Blago operatives will be getting extremely testy from here on out.
Comment by Finally! Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:05 pm
Let the piling on begin.
Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:06 pm
“Pay to Play scheme…with steroids”. Sounds like the next JBT ad to me.
Comment by RickG Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:08 pm
I’d like to see the plea agreement Rezko got. I would have to think he’s gonna roll on both Rod and his wife. If he has enough money tucked away in various places overseas, (and there’s every reason to believe that is the case) he could retire on that after serving little or no time. Money is the big lever against doing hard time. I don’t see what Rod can offer him to stay lyal, apart from some really great birthday parties for the kids.
Comment by Governor Quinn in the on-deck circle Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:12 pm
You mean there are actually other political stories going on beside the pervert Mark Foley incident / Hastert witchhunt.
Denny has to be loving P. Fitz right now to deflect some Illinois attention away from him for the moment.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:20 pm
Sorry Jake all politics are local and it’s no changing the subject this time to save your boss.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:27 pm
Two television commercial ideas for JBT:
1) Presuming Blago goes into hiding, have a “Where’s Blago?” commercial. Judy can wear a deerstalker hat like Sherlock Holmes. Magnifying glass in one hand, cup of coffee in the other.
2) Have Judy debate an empty chair with a portrait of Blago sitting on it.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:31 pm
Jake CP, what do you think?
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:33 pm
Thank you,Vanilla Man for saying exactly what I feel at this time. I remember dancing at Rod’s inauguration and felt so hopeful. Judy extended her hand to him, as did so many others, and found themselves unwelcomed. All those good words Rod said in the Trib ‘debate’ - I just can’t believe them any more. Sad day for Illinois!
Comment by Dem Voting R Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:39 pm
Don’t forget all of the agency directors that Rezko got placed under this administration IDES, IDPH, CMS… and the people he got hired in many agencies. Bet hairdo doesn’t know anything about that either. Probably couple of bad apples slipped those directors in when he was Aquanetting his hair.
Keep an eye out for Ruman and his cronies names to crop up at some point on real official legal documents like the one for the press conference at 1. For one, can you say IPAM? Ruman left CMS to go to work for Rezko, probably to count all of the money he made him on other state contract side deals. I hear him and the other two losers from CMS who went to work for Rezko think they have escaped scrutiny because they don’t work for the state any longer. Good luck to them on that but don’t think for a minute this is over with the TRS scandal. Could just be the tip of iceburg.
Side note, the rawhide songs are great.
Comment by About time Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:40 pm
“I’ve got Tony in the back of my white bronco, he wants to turn himself in.”
Comment by OJ Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:41 pm
Does anyone know if Patty Blagoyevich was involved in any of the real estate deals with Rezcko?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:42 pm
I agree that the fact that “Public Official A” wasn’t mentioned directly in this indictment is good news for Rod, but it’s about the only good news, and in the end won’t make any difference.
Reporters will and have connected the dots, and if you don’t believe me, read the headlines and listen to the lead-ins.
What was most interesting to me was that when the firm was shaken down, they were given a choice of either paying $2 million to Rezko/Levine or give $1.5 million to Candidate A directly.
One can only presume that the $500,000 difference is a handling charge for Rezko/Levine, plus applicable taxes.
Brazen is the only word I can think of.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:45 pm
Rich, you are right…
“A state teachers’ pension board member who is a business associate of Republican powerbroker William Cellini has voted to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in pension cash in a real estate investment firm that Cellini founded.”
…Some people shouldn’t start digging too deep on this.
Comment by sam Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:45 pm
Dear Governor BLAGO, Where o where are you tonight?
Comment by Larry Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:45 pm
not so chicken now
Comment by chinman Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:46 pm
These allegations hit pretty close to the Governor and make him look pretty bad. I’m sure everyone just “misunderstands” how innocent this truly is.
Like with the $1,500 check, maybe he could have an impromtu PRESS CONFERENCE to clear it all up…
Comment by Animous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:47 pm
Find out how much Accenture has contributed…Ruman was connected to them. CMS is looking to bring them back for another high $$ engangement
Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:48 pm
Oooooorah!
Comment by paladin644 Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:52 pm
Didn’t Mrs Blago report earning income from Rezko in 2005???
Comment by Cousin It Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:53 pm
I hear the sound…..the sound of roaring thunder; You suppose it is a really big bus??!!! THUMP, THUMP, THUMP!!
Comment by Justice Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:54 pm
For those who are interested, Tony Rezko and his company, Rezmar, have contributed over $65K in cash and in-kind contributions to the Blagojevich campaign.
Look for someone to call on Blagojevich to give the money back, and return every dime raised by Rezko.
If a Rezko plea comes Friday, I think we can expect an announcement of a subpoena of Blagojevich’s campaign records next week.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:55 pm
Didn’t the Clintons, Hillary included, and Al Gore all have some fairly significant fund raising scandals which they were able to slough off without too much difficulty.
It will be interesting to see how the Blago group handles this but what the average not very interested voter is going to hear is that Blago had a crooked fundraiser who is in trouble with the feds and also appears to now be on the lam. The longer he stays on the lam, the less there will be to talk about, so this story could have a short run.
I predict lots of talk about sympathy for the Rezko wife and kids, dear innocents and all, and yet more talk about how the Blago administration will continue to soldier on and defeat corruption wherever they find it. There will be kudos to the feds for helping Blago uncover corruption. Etc.
JBT will lose by a very slightly smaller margin than she would have. Whitney will get a very few more votes than he would have.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:55 pm
Get Blago, Get Cellini, Get Kjellander, Get Kelly, get ‘em all.
Corruption is bad for us all. Party should not protect crooks and goons.
Comment by Take Em All Down Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:57 pm
Now thats what I was talkin about, fresh news, not why there are no more debates scheduled. That should take care of that topic.
Add Quinn to the Blago, Topinka duet and we have a trio of lousy candidates.
I wish again for Glenn Poshard.
Comment by aidanquinn Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:57 pm
Notice to GOP Members: Don’t get too cranked with joy about this. If you win, the world you lived in for 26 has changed, changed in ways you are not going to like. Don’t think anyone will overlook jobs going through the Sangamon County GOP Chairman and the old “play to pay” games. You maybe happy now, but wait till you find out the operation you invented, thrived on, made money from and let you control the state for years, no longer can be operated. You ain’t gonna like and neither are your cronnies.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:02 pm
Rich said….>“A spokeswoman for Blagojevich’s administration did not immediately return a call for comment.”
Looks like the gov will need Bagdad Bob for this one.
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:07 pm
Anon, 2:02 pm
Amen to that! Maybe a republican governor in the mansion with dems in both chambers would be interesting and good for this state.
Regardless the world that the repubs created and thrived on for 26 years is gone and if Blago continued it he should be gone too.
Comment by aidanquinn Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:08 pm
What does everyone think about the Cellinni connection. Think they’ll ever be able to get enough on him to indict?
Comment by Doing happy dance Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:09 pm
The Governor has done nothing wrong. His office has been cooperating with the Feds. He is doing everything in his power to root out the corruption that he inherited. There was much corruption. It was his office that provided information on Rezko.
This indictment shows that the Governors investigations are working. He congratulates the Attorney General and looks forward to working with him in the future.
The Governor now looks forward to fixing the problems with the pension funds that he inherited from George Ryan.
While this is a sad day for the Governor, he will immediately sever all connections with Tony Rezko.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashur Odishoo
Candidate
State Representative 11th District
Comment by Ashur Odishoo Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:10 pm
It’s 2:10 p.m. and Governor Blagojevich is in Quincy right now (unless he is late, as usual) extolling the virtues of the second Amtrack line to Chicago he and Sen. Durbin were able to finagle.
I wonder what the [i]Herald-Whig[/i] will ask him. The paper is notoriously pro-transportation, so it might be lenient on the governor. Who knows.
Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:13 pm
Fan of the Game, the guv is not in Quincy right now, according to his staff.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:19 pm
well then rich where is waldo
Comment by chinman Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:21 pm
Rich,
Probably a good thing for him. I should have written that he was _scheduled_ for a 2:00 presser in Quincy.
Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:23 pm
Al Gore: “I didn’t do anything wrong, but I won’t do it again”.
Comment by T.C. Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:25 pm
No “Public Official A” mentioned in indictment.
If you read the indictment closely, and take off your partisan hats for a moment, you will see that the indictment may actually clear Blagojevich - for now.
The story as told by the Justice Department in their indictment today paints a completely different story than the one presented previously.
It looks as thought this scheme was merely for the benefit of a couple of GOP and Democrat fat cats. Although they may have solicited campaign funds for folks like Blago, Obama, Bush and others - there is nothing in the indictment that says that any public official had knowledge of what is alleged in the indictment.
Comment by Poli101 Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:28 pm
Chinman,
Geographically: Maybe we could start a contest to find and track him until he surfaces for a “press availablity”.
Physically; My guess is he’s currently finding religion, as in he’s “praying to the porcelain god”!
Comment by Animous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:28 pm
You’re missing something, Poli101.
They were able to get certain things done governmentally, like appointments and killing one of the governor’s major proposals (consolidating the funds). This indictment “clears” no one, but I do agree at this point in time (subject to change with more thought) with some of you that it’s not nearly as damning as it could be. But, I mean, come on. “Pay to play on steroids” is one heckuva quote.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:32 pm
Finally some reform and renewal…to bad it had to come from Patrick Fitzgerald.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:33 pm
IT HAS LEGS AND THEY WILL LEAD TO BLAGO.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:35 pm
The original indictment didn’t have Ryans name in it either….but he became a piece of the puzzle. Question, Who is responsible for appointing people to boards and commissions? HMMMM
Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:39 pm
It is extremely likely that the Levine plea agreement will speak to the overall fundraising scheme and be the most devastating blow of all.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:39 pm
Rich, Did you set a record on the number of updates to a post? It has to be close.
Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:41 pm
- DOWNSTATE - Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:35 pm:
IT HAS LEGS AND THEY WILL LEAD TO BLAGO.
But are they steroid-enhanced legs?
Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:41 pm
“HMRLLAS” I don’t know about the update record, but I think we’ve set one for the number of comments on all posts in a single day.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:43 pm
Bill - I’m not going to pile on you today dude.
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:43 pm
Best quotes from press conference:
Rich likes “Pay to Play on Steroids”
But my personal favorite was:
“Taking money out of the pockets of retired teachers”
Comment by Chicagograssroots Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:50 pm
I will take this time to remind readers that good old Rich Whitney is still running is this race, and he refuses to accept corporate campaign contributions. Last time you went with a Republican, this time you went with a Democrat; and look what you got. They say the third time is the charm, so maybe this time you should go Green.
Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:50 pm
Granted the indictment did not say offical A. It did say a high ranking public offical guaranteed Stuart Levines and others places on the board. Chris Kelly is B and Rod is the high ranking public offical. Since he has not yet been charged they are not using names. You can spin any way you want. This is devastating for the Blagojevich’s family.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:56 pm
Well it looks like the people teaching political science and current events have enough materials to last until the next election cycle. Too bad it is all negative and a fine example of how not to govern.
The “Rawhide” lines should appear on at least radio ads.
Comment by Jail House Rock Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:59 pm
What am I missing- this is good for Blago! He came in to office as a reformer, pledging to get rid of all the bad apples. PF has just done him a favor, and shown that Rezko is a bad apple, so Blago can get rid of him.
Comment by GoodForBlago Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:01 pm
GoodForBlago - YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:03 pm
GoodforBlago,
That is likely the way the governor will spin it, but if he does, Levine and Rezko will likely roll, and if their testimony can be corroborated, that tactic could bite Gov. Blagojevich hard.
Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:06 pm
LOL “Good for Blago.”
It was Blago’s plan all along, he entrapped Rezko and other bad apples knowing his partner in crime fighting, Pat Fitzgerald, would be there to nab them.
Job well done Blago!
Comment by Chicagograssroots Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:08 pm
Goodforblago — what are you smoking? Blago’s political folks are pretty good spinners but this is out their reach. One can smell the scent of oil burning on overheated brains trying to figure a way out.
Comment by whacko Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:10 pm
Anyone wonder what’s going on at Dick Mell’s place? Was that “I told you so” I hear?
Comment by Walking Wounded Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:11 pm
Rich, will we get an update on Joe Birkett’s press conference?
Will he be issuing indictments too?
Comment by One Man Can Make A Difference Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:14 pm
This is a huge news day… very huge… I guess the idiot spinmasters are out in full force. The problem with the theory of GoodforBlago is that he brought these people into his office. It is not like they were their waiting for him. These our top level people. Nixon had Ehrlichman and Haldeman, Blago has Rezco and Levine. It is that simple. Politically though, this should make the gov’s race a lot more interesting. Go Fitzy Go!!!
Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:17 pm
The lights will burn late at Blago HQ tonight. Oh, to be a fly on the wall!
Comment by Bubs Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:18 pm
The indictment said that the “High Ranking Government Official directed that Levine be reappointed to the TRS board” at Rezcko’s request.
Appears to be very damaging to the GOV
Comment by Larry Mullholland Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:19 pm
I also noticed no matter how hard the reporters tried to get Fitzgerald to say the Governor was not a target. Fitzgerald refused to make that statement. What he didn’t say was very telling.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:20 pm
[…] Capitol Fax has very comprehensive coverage. […]
Pingback by IlliniPundit.com » Blog Archive » KABOOM: Blagojevich Fundraiser Indicted Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:23 pm
Blagojevich Forecast: NOT GOOD!
Location: Hiding
Testicular Virility: Zero
Gusty: Winds West at 20 to 30 mph.
Thunderstorms turning to snow.
Hard freeze towards morning.
Comment by I.D.O.T. Guy Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:24 pm
I have 2 words that would go a long way toward curing the never ending corruption problems in Illinois politics, “term limits”.
Comment by Downstater Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:25 pm
Rich: Your question regarding the Blagojevich indictment should be reworded. “When” not “if”.
And if you want to set a record for posts, I suggest you start a pool and let everybody start buying dates as to when the Governor will be indicted. Make “Never” one of the picks for the suckers.
I’d like Wednesday, March 7th.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:26 pm
So Downstater, would you say that politicians, like diapers, have to be changed often and for the same reason???
Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:27 pm
oh bill,
were waiting
Comment by chinman Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:28 pm
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Concerned Voter Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:29 pm
Qs for Blagojevich: “If you are indicted, will you resign? Under what circumstances would you relinquish the responsibilities of governor to your lieutenant governor?”
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:30 pm
Downstater: How would term limits solve the problem?
Rod’s still in his first term.
Ryan had only one term as Governor, and only two terms as SOS.
The solution isn’t term limits, it’s electing ethical people and getting big money out of politics.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:30 pm
I do kind of agree with you, YDD. The only thing you see with term limits is a lot of shuffling around of jobs… You would go from treasurer, to SOS, to Lt Gov, to Gov, to Senate, back to gov. You just have to elect good people. Unfortunately, people are too blinded by partisanship to elect good people.
Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:35 pm
This is an indictment that implicates Tony Rezko. It is not THE indictment that may very well end up being handed to Public Official A.
While many have stated that it could have been worse for Rod, yes it could have. But, this is only the door being opened a crack. There probably be many more of these to came.
Not bad for Blago? Hah! Blago and Rezko are/were so close you can’t slip a piece of paper between them. How many of Rezko’s people ended up in high positions in State government? Quite a few that I am aware of.
The Director of DCEO worked for Rezko for something like 10 years, as the CFO/Director of Development of one of Rezko’s companies. He was named as Director when he wasn’t even on the list of persons to be considered.
If my memory serves me right, Blago has in the past stated he and Rezko were buds (kitchen cabinet as well). Rezko is also listed on Blagos Economic Interest Statement. He was also involved with Mrs. Blagojevich in real estate deals, as reported on a Federal Income Tax return.
This particular indictment may not be the death blow to Blago but you can bet that there will be more to come. (Queue up Jaws music)
Comment by Buck Flagojevich Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:36 pm
Let’s move the discussion to a new thread.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:36 pm
[…] –>Tony Rezko, a campaign fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was indicted today and what a day full of coverage. The Capitol Fax Blog has the most complete coverage, with no less than one, two, three posts filled with updates throughout this whole ordeal. There’s no point in me rehashing this. Go to Rich Miller’s site for the most comprehensive coverage on this. Absolutely astounding development. […]
Pingback by Elections beat: campaign disclosures, Rezko indictment, student issues at The TPS Report - by Kiyoshi Martinez Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:36 pm